Widespread wifi on the way

Phase 1 of a £1 million project to bring free, public wifi to Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres is complete.

Renfrewshire Council Depute Leader Jim Paterson said existing wifi hotspots in public buildings had been upgraded by new service provider Boston Networks, paving the way for further expansion into multiple indoor and outdoor locations.

“People in public buildings – including libraries and town halls – are now enjoying a faster wifi service, with no need to log in or register,” Councillor Paterson said.

“Paisley’s Lagoon Centre, museum and InCube stores are among the 25 public and community buildings to have the new wifi, with more venues to be added to the network in the future.

“The project is an important part of the Council’s Digital Strategy as it is going to help tackle digital exclusion and provide people with the opportunity to reach their digital potential.”

Paisley’s reputation as a student-friendly town will be further enhanced during Phase 2 of the wifi expansion with the introduction of Eduroam.

“Eduroam is an international roaming service that will give students from anywhere in the world the ability to view educational resources stored securely on their internal networks,” Councillor Paterson said.

“It will be an honour to see Paisley become one of the first towns in the UK to provide this facility when it is launched next year.”

Chief Executive of Boston Networks Scott McEwan said: “We’re thrilled to complete the first phase of the contract to deliver robust and high speed wifi access to public buildings across Renfrewshire.

“The project is a fantastic example of how effective digital public services can be used to improve digital inclusion and participation and drive economic growth.

“By working closely with Renfrewshire Council, we’re now on track to deliver the next project milestone, which will see public wifi rolled out to offer free internet access in Johnstone, ahead of schedule.”

Johnstone is targeted to be the first town centre to have wifi accessibility complete by December 2017, with Paisley and Renfrew on track for completion by Spring-2018.

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